Robot Transformer Core Stacking With Repositionable Layout Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing transformer cores are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple laying tables and manual handling, leading to downtime and high costs when producing various types of cores.

Innovation Solution

A robot system with a multi-axis robot, conveyor device, and control device that allows for flexible positioning and storage of sheets on laying tables with threading bolts or sheet metal stops, enabling cost-effective production by minimizing downtime and reducing the number of laying tables required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laying tables are used to produce different transformer core types, then production versatility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single laying table that can produce multiple transformer core types by making the positioning aids (threading bolts and sheet stops) movable and repositionable. The control device manages the repositioning of these aids to accommodate different core geometries, allowing one table to perform the functions previously requiring multiple dedicated tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning aids are designed to be dynamically repositionable during operation. The threading bolts and sheet stops can be moved along the laying table to different locations based on the specific transformer core type being produced, transforming a static setup into a dynamic, adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling and multiple laying tables are used, then flexibility in producing various core types is improved, but productivity decreases due to downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically manages the repositioning of positioning aids and the feeding of sheets, ensuring continuous operation without downtime. When one laying table is in use, another can be prepared with the required positioning aids, or aids can be repositioned during idle periods, maintaining continuous productive action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated control devices and robotic handling to reposition positioning aids and manage sheet feeding without manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting to different core types and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If threading bolts and sheet stops are permanently mounted, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability to different core types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning aids are made dynamically repositionable while maintaining precise positioning capability. The threading bolts and sheet stops can be moved to exact required locations along the laying table and securely fixed, combining the precision of permanent mounting with the flexibility of temporary positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device pre-calculates and pre-positions the threading bolts and sheet stops to the required locations before sheet feeding begins. This preliminary positioning ensures precision is maintained while allowing rapid changeover between different core types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3665712B1Method of and robot system for manufacturing transformer cores
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 HEINRICH GEORG GMBH MASCHINENFABRIC
  • EP3665712B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a robot system (23) for producing transformer cores (12), wherein laminations (16) from which a transformer core is formed are held on at least two layout tables (18) by means of a multi-axis robot (22) of the robot system , wherein the laminations are fed to the robot by means of a conveying apparatus (29) and are stacked adjacent to the robot at at least two placement positions (31) for respectively different laminations, wherein the robot and the conveying apparatus are controlled by a control device (17), wherein laminations are taken from the placement positions and stacked onto the layout tables by means of the robot arranged between and above the layout tables.